(1939-1966)
Naima Akef was born into the Akef Circus. She was trained by her grandfather and was talented acrobat, dancer and singer. She traveled and worked with her family and in 1957 she won a best dancer at an international youth festival in Russia.
She was discovered early in films and balanced acting, singing and dancing. She preferred films or theatre dance tableaux to nightclub work – although she did briefly dance for Badia Masabni. She was fired after physically defending herself from other (jealous) dancers. Nevertheless she was known for her friendliness, kindness and helpfulness as well as her unique dance style.